Trump Trashes ‘Fake News’ Outlets As He Declares Iran ‘Totally Defeated’
As the conflict with Iran enters its third week, President Donald J. Trump is signaling strong confidence in the progress of U.S. and allied military operations, declaring that the Islamic republic has already been dealt a decisive blow.
In a post on Truth Social late Friday, the president sharply criticized media outlets while asserting that Iran’s position has dramatically weakened just two weeks into the conflict.
“The Fake News Media hates to report how well the United States Military has done against Iran, which is totally defeated and wants a deal — But not a deal that I would accept!”
The president’s remarks came on the 14th day of the joint U.S.-Israeli campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure. While Trump did not elaborate on the nature of any potential negotiations with Tehran, his comments suggested that Iran may be seeking some form of diplomatic resolution as the conflict unfolds.
Military Campaign Moving Faster Than Expected
When the first strikes against Iranian targets began on February 28, Trump predicted that the bulk of the fighting could be relatively brief.
At the time, he described the expected “major combat operations” as a “short-term excursion,” estimating the campaign could last “four to five weeks” — though he acknowledged the timeline might change depending on conditions on the ground.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump reiterated that operations would continue “as long as it’s necessary,” while emphasizing that U.S. forces are performing exceptionally well.
According to the president, the current campaign is “well ahead of schedule.”
Administration Pushes Back Against Media Coverage
Officials within the administration have also grown increasingly frustrated with what they describe as misleading reporting about the war’s progress.
During a Friday press conference, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sharply criticized coverage from CNN regarding Iran’s potential strategy in the conflict.
The network had reported that the U.S. government “significantly underestimated” Iran’s willingness to close the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Hegseth dismissed the report outright, calling it “patently ridiculous” and “fundamentally unserious.”
In an unusually aggressive response, the White House also launched a website titled “CNN Is Lying to Undermine Operation Epic Fury’s Crushing Success.”
The administration has increasingly argued that legacy media outlets are downplaying the effectiveness of American military operations while amplifying negative narratives about the conflict.
Trump Slams Major Newspapers
President Trump broadened his criticism to include several prominent newspapers, singling out outlets he believes are rooting against the United States.
Last week, he blasted reporting from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and what he described as “other Lowlife ‘Papers’” that “actually want us to lose the War.”
“Their terrible reporting is the exact opposite of the actual facts! They are truly sick and demented people that have no idea the damage they cause the United States of America,” Trump said on social media Friday.
“Fortunately, as proven by our Great and Conclusive Election Win in 2024, the People of our Country understand what is happening far better than the Fake News Media!”
Dispute Over Damaged Air Force Tankers
Trump also addressed a report published by the Journal concerning damage to American refueling aircraft stationed at an air base in Saudi Arabia.
The newspaper reported that five U.S. Air Force tanker planes had been struck and damaged during an Iranian attack but were not completely destroyed.
The president disputed the framing of the report.
“Yet again, an intentionally misleading headline by the Fake News Media about the five tanker planes that were supposedly struck down at an Airport in Saudi Arabia, and of no further use. In actuality, the Base was hit a few days ago, but the planes were not ’struck’ or ’destroyed.’ Four of the five had virtually no damage, and are already back in service. One had slightly more damage, but will be in the air shortly,” Trump said.
“None were destroyed, or close to that, as the Fake News said in headlines.”
The Journal article itself reported that the aircraft were “damaged but not fully destroyed” and were undergoing repairs.
FCC Warns Broadcasters Over “News Distortions”
Following the president’s remarks, Brendan Carr weighed in on social media, warning that broadcasters spreading misinformation could face consequences when their licenses come up for renewal.
“Broadcasters that are running hoaxes and news distortions — also known as the fake news — have a chance now to correct course before their license renewals come up,” Carr wrote.
“The law is clear. Broadcasters must operate in the public interest, and they will lose their licenses if they do not.”
Massive Strike on Key Iranian Target
Later Friday evening, Trump announced that the U.S. military had carried out what he described as one of the most powerful bombing operations ever conducted in the region.
The strikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure on Kharg Island — a strategic location often described as a centerpiece of Iran’s military and economic operations.
According to the president, the mission was carried out by United States Central Command.
“Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island.”
While the full scope of the operation has yet to be independently verified, the announcement underscores the administration’s message that the campaign against Iran is proceeding with overwhelming force — and, according to the president, decisive results.